When “Get By” was first released in 2002, some thought Talib Kweli wouldn’t be a household name. In fact, some thought he was riding the coattail of a culture created by Yasiin Bey (Mos Def). 11 years later, well, Talib has stood the test of time and created his own lane.

Up top, Talib Kweli talks about the day Kanye West walked in the room with a handful of beats and what it was about “Get By” that caught his attention and ultimately made him buy all the beats on the spot. Originally planned to be used for Mariah Carey, “Get By” would soon be the hit-single Talib Kweli needed to push his solo artistry to the masses.